KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic are strengthening sports medicine services for student athletes through a new partnership aimed at improving healthcare access and injury recovery for young athletes across Knox County.
Hospital and clinic leaders announced the collaboration Monday, saying the effort will help provide comprehensive medical support for nearly 9,000 student athletes participating in middle and high school sports throughout the county.
Under the partnership, 13 certified athletic trainers with Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic will continue serving Knox County Schools as part of a larger sports medicine outreach program that includes more than two dozen athletic trainers across East Tennessee.
The trainers provide on-site medical care, injury prevention services, rehabilitation support and evaluation of sports-related injuries. They also work alongside physicians and pediatric specialists at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital to help student athletes recover safely and return to competition when medically ready.
“We are proud to team up with KOC to help student athletes stay healthy, safe and performing at their best,” said Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “Together, we’re investing in the health and well-being of young athletes and ensuring they have the support they need to return to sports safely and confidently.”
Officials said the partnership expands access to specialized pediatric and orthopedic care while emphasizing injury prevention and athlete safety.
Dr. Matthew Rappé, a sports medicine surgeon with Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic, said the collaboration continues a long-standing relationship between the two healthcare organizations.
“Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital was founded in 1937, and Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic followed in the late 1940s. Since then, our organizations have worked side-by-side to care for the youth of East Tennessee,” Rappé said.
“Our athletic training partnership successfully continues this legacy. Through this collaboration, we aim to reduce injuries, support safe return-to-play protocols and ensure young athletes across East Tennessee receive excellent care both on and off the field.”
Healthcare leaders say the partnership will benefit student athletes by connecting schools with certified trainers, sports medicine experts, orthopedic specialists and pediatric healthcare providers as part of a coordinated approach to athlete health and safety.
The organizations said the goal is to keep student athletes healthy, reduce injuries and provide the medical resources necessary for a safe return to sports participation following injuries.
